Ledbury Poetry Festival has named its new management team.

Festival director Chloe Garner said there’d been a lot of interest in the four advertised posts, which included a new role focused on engaging young people in poetry.

“We had a large number of applicants for these posts,” she said. “The festival has a fantastic reputation so people want to contribute and continue the excellent work that has happened over 25 years.

“We are brimming with energy and enthusiasm and looking forward to a smashing return this summer.”

Taking on the role of youth and learning officer will be Ian Davidson, an experienced youth worker and family support manager.

He’ll be tasked with building on the festival’s Poets in Schools programme, which has seen Margaret Atwood visit John Masefield High School and thousands of pupils perform their poems at festival events.

“Not only will he engage the best artists and poets to work with young people, he will work hard to raise as much funding as possible to invest in the opportunities young people deserve towards a brighter future,” said Chloe.

Regular sessions for young people will take place in The Poetry House in the Barrett Browning Institute and there’ll be other projects happening across Herefordshire.

'New possibilities'

“The pandemic has hit young people particularly hard,” said Chloe. “It is really important that Ledbury Poetry Festival plays its part to address this crisis in mental health.”

Becky Shaw, who was formerly head of communications for Hay Festival, joins the poetry festival team in production, while Hannah Bengough-Sutton takes on a role in operations having previously overseen the box office and membership at The Courtyard in Hereford.

READ MORE: Poetry festival volunteers to reunite

Ledbury Poetry Festival returns for 25th anniversary

Chloe said: “I am so excited to see where Becky takes the festival as she gets to work exploring new partnerships and possibilities. Hannah will also be an incredible asset during the festival, plus her second career as a musician and vocalist means she understands performers.”

Finally, Philippa Taylor takes the reins as finance officer, a vital role that ensures the festival’s budgets and planning are carefully managed in these challenging times for the arts.

Ledbury Poetry Festival takes place from July 1 to 10 and will feature Simon Armitage, Michael Rosen, Hollie McNish, Brian Bilston, Chris Riddell and more.